Chapter 57 The Festival Where the Jealousy Bloom

Chapter 57 The Festival Where the Jealousy Bloom
The festival had finally arrived. It was a day Ruella had been looking forward to so much that she’d struggled to sleep because she was so impatient. For a long time, she’d wanted to explore beyond the pack’s territory. Not only was she seeking a change of scenery, but she also wanted to observe the lives of the residents in the capital.

Since early morning, the Silverpaw Pack’s capital had become far livelier than usual. The main streets were lined with pack flags, and beautiful flowers, this year’s festival theme, adorned the roads and every corner of the buildings.

Laughter.

Music.

The sounds of traders and customers haggling added to the festive atmosphere around the pack’s main square.

This year’s festival featured flowers as a symbol of new life before the arrival of summer.

Amidst the bustle, Calix stood in the main area of the square alongside Orion and Rubina, who stood not far beside him.

Calix wore Alpha’s traditional formal attire, a long black suit with a silver pack logo detail on the chest. His black hair was neatly styled, whilst his expression remained as calm as ever, even though he had recently been conducting an investigation into the war of the past.

Several warriors stood guard around them.

"This season’s festival is officially open." Calix’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers after he had delivered a few words in his speech.

Cheers immediately filled the air.

Orion grinned slightly at the citizens’ enthusiasm. Rubina smiled gracefully beside Calix, waving her hand at a few citizens who were greeting her.

Meanwhile, on the far side of the street, which was far livelier, the line between nobility and commoners was invisible. Everyone mingled.

That was where Ruella was walking with Kyle.

Today they were disguised as commoners. Ruella wore a simple light brown dress without expensive embroidery or flashy accessories. Her hair was tied back loosely, making her look far simpler, yet still striking against her slightly pale, porcelain-like skin.

Kyle was the same. He wore a plain T-shirt in a matching colour with a drawstring across the chest. He’d deliberately left it untied, making him look sexy and manly with his broad chest slightly exposed.

"This is far more fun than I expected," said Ruella, looking around with sparkling eyes.

Kyle chuckled softly.

"You look like a little kid out for the first time."

"Well, basically, this is the first time I’ve left the pack’s home." Ruella stopped in front of a small food stall. "When I was still with my dad, I rarely went to festivals, but when I could, I’d be really excited and stay from the opening until midnight, haha. And I’ve never seen this many people."

Kyle watched Ruella’s expression. She looked genuinely happy. It made him smile too.

"Try this," he said, buying a skewer of grilled meat.

Ruella accepted it enthusiastically. Her eyes widened immediately after the first bite.

"Delicious… woah! I love it."

Kyle laughed. "Do you really have to shake your head like that when it tastes good?"

"I could be dancing around because it’s so good, so be grateful I’m just shaking my head," said Ruella, continuing to eat.

They walked on past the row of flower stalls.

The street was filled with laughing locals, little children running about with flower crowns, and street musicians playing traditional instruments.

Ruella turned slowly to look at the floral decorations hanging along the street.

"It’s so beautiful… I’m grateful you came back in time, Kyle. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the festival like this," Ruella murmured.

Kyle watched her silently for a few seconds. "Calix was just afraid you’d get hurt."

"But compared to anyone else, he’s the one who wanted me to leave immediately, isn’t he? To him, I’m just an obstacle to his leadership," said Ruella.

"It’s not that bad, but yes… it’s not easy for Calix to face his people if they all rebel," said Kyle.

Ruella nodded in understanding. "That’s why I can’t be entirely angry. I understand the situation." She smiled.

And not far from there, Calix had just finished greeting a few traders. His gaze swept across the crowd until he finally spotted Ruella and Kyle.

Although he was the one who had ordered Kyle to accompany Ruella, for some reason, he immediately felt a twinge of unease.

Ruella seemed to chuckle at something Kyle had said.

Calix unconsciously frowned slightly. "Looks like they’re having a good time."

Orion, standing beside him, immediately realised. He couldn’t let Calix and Ruella meet. No matter what happened, he would make today his younger sister Rubina’s day.

"Alpha, we’d better carry on."

Calix nodded and continued walking towards the small hut.

Meanwhile, Ruella also noticed Calix. Her eyes lit up immediately.

"Kyle… over there!"

Kyle followed Ruella’s gaze. "Let’s go over to him. Let’s see what his expression looks like when he pretends not to know us."

Ruella immediately stifled a laugh. "Good idea. When else will we get the chance to play a prank on him?"

They walked towards the area where Calix was standing with Orion and Rubina.

As soon as they arrived, Ruella immediately pretended to be polite, like an ordinary citizen.

"Good morning, Alpha."

Kyle gave a slight bow. "At last, I have the opportunity to meet you, Your Majesty."

Calix knew straight away they were playing games.

"Hm."

Ruella bit her lip to suppress a smile.

"The festival is wonderful," she said formally. "We common folk are very pleased."

Orion occasionally checked Rubina’s expression, and sure enough, she looked displeased to see Ruella there.

"In that case, please do enjoy the festival some more. There are plenty of other things over there," said Orion, gently shooing them away.

Calix stared at Ruella for a few seconds before replying calmly,

"Glad to hear it."

Kyle added dramatically,

"Alpha must have worked hard for this festival."

Calix narrowed his eyes slightly. "Thanks to all of your enthusiasm as well," he replied, holding back his irritation.

Just then, a flower vendor nearby suddenly called out to Kyle.

"Sir! Would you like to buy some flowers?" He held up a single red rose.

"Red roses are perfect for your wife."

The vendor pointed at Ruella.

Kyle chuckled. "Tha-"

But before he could reply, Alpha Calix suddenly interjected.

"They’re not husband and wife," he blurted out without thinking.

Everyone fell silent.

Including Calix himself.

The flower seller blinked in confusion.

"Huh?"

Orion immediately turned sharply towards Calix.

Rubina also looked slightly surprised.

Ruella herself froze.

Calix realised he’d reacted too quickly.

The seller scratched his head.

"Alpha… do you know them?"

There was a moment’s silence.

Calix seemed to be thinking quickly, searching for an excuse. Then he finally said in a calm tone,

"No. Of course not. This is the first time I’ve seen them. But they aren’t wearing couple’s rings. I can tell from that." His gaze briefly fell on Ruella and Kyle’s hands.

The florist still looked confused, but finally nodded in understanding. "Oh… I see. You’re right. You really are worthy of being an Alpha. You can spot such fine details."

Kyle lowered his head slightly, suppressing a smile. Ruella was also on the verge of laughing at Calix, who was clearly panicking as he searched for an excuse.

But the situation wasn’t over yet. The florist suddenly looked at Calix with curiosity.

"In that case, when are you going to get married, Alpha? I haven’t heard anything more about that girl from the rival pack, so it seems you won’t be choosing her as your Luna."

The merchant continued innocently,

"Why not just marry Miss Rubina? You’re often seen together and have known each other for a long time. Even though she isn’t your mate, you could still have a Luna by your side to manage the Pack and make that enemy your concubine," said the merchant, and his words were agreed with by the other merchants and people around who had heard him.

Ruella bowed her head sadly upon hearing this.

"It would even be better if you refused the mate bond with her."

Silence.

Ruella immediately felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her smile faded completely.

Though she tried to look as if nothing were wrong, her gaze unconsciously blurred as tears began to well up.

Meanwhile, Rubina looked bashfully embarrassed.

"Uncle, please don’t speak like that. I’m feeling embarrassed..." she murmured softly.

Kyle immediately glanced at Ruella.

And Calix had actually noticed the change in Ruella. He saw how Ruella’s eyes instantly lost their light for a moment.

He saw how the girl suddenly fell silent. And strangely, Calix didn’t like seeing her like that. He didn’t like it at all.

So before the atmosphere grew any stranger, he spoke up straight away.

"Rubina is like my own little sister."

Those words made Rubina freeze instantly.

Orion also turned his head quickly.

Calix continued in a casual tone,

"I’ve known her for a long time because of my friendship with Orion. That’s all, nothing more. So far, I’ve been able to lead this pack without a Luna by my side. So you needn’t worry about the throne at the pack’s home."

Ruella slowly lifted her face. Her chest felt much lighter. She felt Calix had said that deliberately to reassure her.

Ruella sensed Calix didn’t want her to misunderstand.

The flower seller nodded in understanding.

"Oh, forgive my boldness, Alpha. I’ll be more careful with my words."

Rubina gave a small smile, though it was clear she was annoyed. "Why did he have to deny all that?! He should’ve just accepted it. It’s so annoying."

Kyle moved closer to Ruella, then whispered something in her ear.

Ruella’s eyes widened immediately.

"Really? Where?"

Kyle gave a small nod, smiling. "Shall I show you?"

Ruella immediately looked very excited. "In that case, let’s go!"

She immediately grabbed Kyle’s arm.

Calix frowned at the pair. "What’s going on?" he wondered to himself.

Ruella couldn’t contain her enthusiasm.

"We’re off, Alpha. Enjoy the festival!"

And just like that, they set off, walking briskly through the festival crowds, leaving Calix standing there.

His gaze followed their retreating figures. That strange feeling came over him again.

What exactly had Kyle whispered? Why did Ruella suddenly look so happy?

Calix let out a soft sigh.